This is a first in Switzerland and for AccorHotels! A smartflower follows the sun’s position to absorb as much energy as possible, which it then converts into electricity. Installed in the gardens of the Novotel Lausanne Bussigny hotel, this solar flower produces between 3500 and 4500 kWh per annum, making it possible to reduce CO
2 emissions by a tonne each year.
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In much the same way as a sunflower would, the flower opens its corolla at dawn and follows the sun’s path until dusk, to capture as much energy as possible. It achieves this thanks to a GPS system,” explains Alexandre Barbier, AccorInvest Switzerland Maintenance Engineer.
Once again, the Novotel Lausanne Bussigny hotel is a role model as regard to sustainable development and energy performance.
4 facts about the smartflower
Smart technology
Thanks to its solar tracker system, the smartflower follows the sun’s path in the same way that a sunflower would. It moves thanks to a dual horizontal and vertical axis system, allowing it to maximise output and to produce up to 40% more energy than an equivalent roof-mounted solution.
Speed and mobility
With its novel “Plug&Play” system, this solar flower makes it possible to directly consume the electricity produced on-site in a simple and straightforward way with no major installation work required on the roof.
Smart cleaning
The smartflower is equipped with an automatic smart cleaning system for the petals, to ensure optimal production at all times. The petals are equipped with specially-adapted brushes, allowing them to clean themselves each time they open and close.
Always safe and secure
To protect itself from bad weather, the smartflower automatically folds in its petals in high winds. It opens them out again when the wind drops.
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